If you’ve ever had to throw away something that is still usable, or if you have wasted time looking for something in your garage because it was buried under other items, it may be time to consider some creative storage solutions. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of what those might entail, take a moment and look at why storage is so important.
Storage space comes at a premium these days, with tiny houses becoming more popular and people living in smaller spaces than they used to. With less room for things like clothes or tools that are used on a regular basis, many homeowners are struggling with how best to organize their belongings without wasting valuable square footage. The good news? There are plenty of creative ways to make your garage a better storage space without the need to expand it.
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Reach For the Stars
Some items that will not be used for a long time are best placed somewhere where they won’t be in the way, somewhere where you rarely have to go. Making use of overhead garage storage systems is one way to do this. You can purchase a pre-made system or build your own. If you choose to build your own, make sure that the system you create can safely support the weight of the items you will be storing.
A supporting structure needs to exist, such as roofing beams or purpose-made steel construction. This can drive the price of such a project way up but is probably well worth the money as it will give you access to space that was otherwise totally unused.
Keep a Tidy Inventory
For those who are not keen on the idea of building something permanent, or those who only have a small number of items to store, there are other storage solutions that can be just as effective. Hooks, racks, and shelves attached to the walls can give you a lot of extra storage space without taking up any floor space.
If you are using this type of storage system, it is important to remember to keep your inventory tidy. This will make it easier to find what you are looking for when you need it, and will also make the area look neater.
Make a Storage List
Writing down where you put something and labeling it properly is key in a space as small as a garage. Keep a list of all the things you’ve stored in your garage, so that nothing is lost or forgotten about. To protect against the elements, cover these items with breathable plastic sheeting before placing them in storage. This will also help to prevent rust and corrosion from forming on any item’s metal objects.
Get Creative With Containers
One way to get a lot of extra storage space is by using containers. These can be anything from plastic bins to cardboard boxes. Not only can these items be stacked for maximum space, but you can also deconstruct them and store them in a smaller amount of space if a large project comes up suddenly.
When using this method, however, it is important to remember not to place heavy objects on top of light ones. This will lead to unstable stacking, which can result from the upsetting of the balance from vibrations caused by loud noises or passing traffic.
Stackable containers are best as they allow for an even distribution of weight.
Utilize Vertical Space
Many people do not realize that they can use vertical space in their garage to store things. Installing shelves high up on the walls can give you a lot of extra room to put things. If you have a small number of items, you can use wall-mounted racks to store them.
For those with a lot of items, installing a loft in the garage can be a great way to go. This will give you an entire level that is just for storage. Just make sure that the loft is properly secured and will not fall down under the weight of the items stored on it.
Fire Safety
When you are stowing items away for a long time, it is essential that they are stored in a way that keeps them safe. If oil or gasoline leaks into your home, it can cause considerable damage not only to the structure itself but also to any objects within it. Be sure to always store these kinds of items properly.
If something is flammable, use spark-proof containers and keep them at least one foot away from anything that can catch fire. Gasoline should never be stored in an enclosed space as vapors have the potential to explode when exposed to enough heat. For this reason, it should also not be stored near an open flame or appliance which could create enough heat on its own accord.
Storing Tools
When storing tools, it is important to remember that they need to be accessible when you need them. This means that they should be stored in a way that allows you to easily see and reach them.
If you are using pegboard or metal racks, make sure that the holes for the hooks or pegs are at waist height. This will keep you from having to bend over or reach up high every time you want to use a tool.
It is also important to organize your tools in a way that makes sense. Keep items together and make sure that each tool has its own designated space. This will help you to avoid losing any tools and will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
It’s true that there is not always enough space in garages to store all the things people need. But, never fear! There are plenty of creative solutions for storage available, and this article showed some of them. You can even get a little help from your friends or family if you want! It may take a bit more work, but it should be worth it when you finally have room to breathe again. Hopefully, these ideas were helpful, and your garage will cluster free in no time!
